Bretforton Ladies 1st XI 1 - 3 Marlborough Grinches

This was Brets third game in eight days and this certainly showed. However, the home side played the better hockey and enjoyed most of the possession, they were just unable to convert their chances.

The Wiltshire side started brightly and were soon ahead when a series of defensive errors allowed them to score. Bret shook themselves down though and began to play ! Good work by the twins, Sarah and Julie Hall put Marlborough under pressure and Bret were awarded a flurry of short corners. Sophie Hamilton’s initial shot was well saved but the tenacious Danni Cox was on hand to bravely sweep home the rebound.

Bret really took the game to Marlborough in the second half, Debbie Slatter and Emma Lowe piling on the pressure & keeping the ball well.

The Bret defence have certainly absorbed a lot of pressure themselves this season, Heather Carr and Polly Christan put in another shift in central defence and Sarah Cook was as reliable as ever in her final game as a pink lady.

With Tess Lewinton playing out of position again this week – it was down to the dynamic midfield powerhouse that is Lisa Workman to keep things ticking over on the pitch and Goalie Vicky Watkins to keep the score respectable – tipping the ball over the cross bar with an incredible, flying stick-save that sent the crowd into raptures !!

Although disappointed to be relegated, with players lost and injuries picked up throughout the season to key players, the girls have kept battling this season.

Not only have the battled but they have done so with smiles on their faces and laughing all the way. This squad will – undoubtedly – come back stronger and better and will enjoy a season or two out of the top flight to regroup.

Major thanks this season go to the skipper – Tess Lewinton for always getting a team out, all our umpires without whom we simply couldn’t play and also to the family and friends who have stood on the side-lines and cheered us on in adversity ! We thank you all sincerely !

Player of the match:Lisa Workman and Vicky Watkins

Plonker of the match:Danni Cox

No match ball sponsor this week but please sponsor Kate Mitchell who is running the London Marathon for Asthma UK at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Katemitchell9 – thank you!